Partnership—We Like the Sound of It

Roland Corp. Gift Benefits School of Music

It was like Christmas in spring at the School of Music and Theatre Arts (SMTA) at Washington State University as box after box of high-tech electronic equipment was unloaded at Kimbrough Music Building on the Pullman campus.

"This gift by the Roland Corporation U.S. is tremendous and will have a significant impact in many areas, including jazz studies, performing ensembles, the recording studio, and music library," said Gerald Berthiaume, director of SMTA.

"The effect that this gift will have was evidenced in the excitement of the faculty and students who were present for the delivery of the equipment," said Joshua Knudson, director of development and alumni relations for the College of Liberal Arts.

"The equipment definitely helps advance learning," said Ted Powers, a business major/music minor who has benefited from the electronic drum set. "It is pretty much the greatest electronic instrument in any percussion store," he added.

The donation inventory list included everything from digital recorders to digital drum sets and totaled tens of thousands of dollars.

The gift, delivered in March, was arranged by Mark Malbon, a 1977 WSU graduate with degrees in business administration and accounting. Malbon serves as executive vice president, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer of Roland Corporation U.S., a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments.

"I am delighted to help facilitate a partnership between Roland and the WSU School of Music," said Malbon. "WSU gave so much to me as a student, and it was my desire to give something back. One of Roland's goals is to inspire the enjoyment of creativity. I'm pleased that this donation of Roland musical products will help many current and future students of the WSU School of Music expand their creative abilities."

"This is a fantastic teaching tool!" said Dave Jarvis, associate professor of music and coordinator of percussion studies. "The V-Drum system provides many pattern styles of drumming which my students can play along to. The multiple drum kits that are installed help students with understanding drum tuning and sound environment. For example, they can get a feel of what it's like to play a jazz drum set in an arena or stadium."

"Corporations like Roland can have a huge impact on faculty effectiveness and student experience through the contribution of their technologies, products, and patents," said Knudson. "In this case, Roland Corporation significantly upgraded the quality of the equipment in the music school by contributing specific products needed and outlined by the faculty. This gift will transform the experience of students studying jazz, percussion, and composition, as well as many other disciplines in the school."

"A gift of this magnitude, with state-of-the-art sound equipment, instruments, and recording devices, raises the quality of performances and recordings immediately," Berthiaume said. "Faculty, students, and staff are very excited about this gift and most grateful to the Roland Corporation."

During a visit to the School of Music in late April, Malbon told a group of students, faculty, and staff in Kimbrough Music Building, "This is not the end. This is the beginning of a relationship."

During his visit to campus, the School of Music presented Malbon with a plaque that reads, "The School of Music extends its deep gratitude to the Roland Corporation U.S. for the most generous gift of electronic sound and recording equipment." You will find the plaque displayed in the trophy case of the Kimbrough foyer.